U.S. patent application number 11/786497 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for headset with integral non-volatile flash memory drive.
This patent application is currently assigned to Plantronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edward L Reuss.
Application Number | 20100042781 11/786497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41682068 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100042781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reuss; Edward L |
February 18, 2010 |
Headset with integral non-volatile flash memory drive
Abstract
A headset flash memory drive that includes a flash memory chip
for data storage and a digital data interface. The headset flash
memory drive further includes a computer readable memory storing
first instructions for a mass storage access protocol that when
executed by a headset controller allow data transfer to and from
the flash memory chip through the digital data interface, and
storing second instructions that when executed by the controller
allow the microphone to detect user speech or the speaker to output
an audio signal.
Inventors: |
Reuss; Edward L; (Santa
Cruz, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PLANTRONICS, INC.;IP Department/Legal
345 ENCINAL STREET, P.O. BOX 635
SANTA CRUZ
CA
95060-0635
US
|
Assignee: |
Plantronics, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
41682068 |
Appl. No.: |
11/786497 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
711/115 ; 710/63;
711/E12.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 13/385
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
711/115 ; 710/63;
711/E12.001 |
International
Class: |
G06F 12/00 20060101
G06F012/00; G06F 13/12 20060101 G06F013/12 |
Claims
1. A headset flash memory drive comprising: a headset housing; a
microphone; a speaker; a flash memory chip for mass data storage; a
mini USB AB type connector; a wireless digital data interface; a
controller; and a computer readable memory storing first
instructions for a USB mass storage device class communications
protocol that when executed by the controller allow data transfer
to or from the flash memory chip through the mini USB AB type
connector, and storing second instructions that when executed by
the controller allow voice communications to be transmitted or
received through the wireless digital data interface.
2. The headset flash memory drive of claim 1, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises a NAND flash memory chip dedicated to mass
storage.
3. The headset flash memory drive of claim 1, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises on the order of approximately 1 gigabyte or
greater of memory.
4. The headset flash memory drive of claim 1, wherein the wireless
digital data interface comprises an IEEE 802.11 transceiver.
5. The headset flash memory drive of claim 1, wherein the wireless
digital data interface comprises a Bluetooth transceiver.
6. A headset flash memory drive comprising: a headset housing; a
microphone; a speaker; a flash memory chip for data storage; a
wired digital data interface connector comprising a mini-USB
connector; a controller; and a computer readable memory storing
first instructions for a mass storage access protocol that when
executed by the controller allow data transfer to and from the
flash memory chip through the wired digital data interface
connector, and storing second instructions that when executed by
the controller allow the microphone to detect user speech or the
speaker to output an audio signal.
7. (canceled)
8. The headset flash memory drive of claim 7, wherein the mini-USB
connector comprises a mini USB AB type receptacle.
9. (canceled)
10. The headset flash memory drive of claim 7, wherein the mini-USB
connector comprises a mini A plug or mini B plug.
11. The headset flash memory drive of claim 6, wherein the mass
storage access protocol comprises a USB mass storage device class
communications protocol.
12. (canceled)
13. The headset flash memory drive of claim 6, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises a NAND flash memory chip dedicated to mass
storage.
14. The headset flash memory drive of claim 6, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises on the order of approximately 1 gigabyte or
greater of memory.
15. A headset flash memory drive comprising: a headset housing; a
microphone; a speaker; a flash memory chip for data storage; a
wireless digital data interface comprising a wireless USB
transceiver; a controller; and a computer readable memory storing
first instructions for a mass storage access protocol that when
executed by the controller allow data transfer to and from the
flash memory chip through the wireless digital data interface, and
storing second instructions that when executed by the controller
allow the microphone to detect user speech or the speaker to output
an audio signal.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The headset flash memory drive of claim 15, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises a NAND flash memory chip dedicated to mass
storage.
20. The headset flash memory drive of claim 15, wherein the flash
memory chip comprises on the order of approximately 1 gigabyte of
memory or greater.
21. (canceled)
22. A headset flash memory drive comprising: a headset housing; a
microphone; a speaker; a rechargeable battery; a flash memory means
for mass data storage; a wired digital interface connector means
comprising a wired Ethernet connector means for transferring data
to or from the flash memory means, transferring audio
communications to the speaker or from the microphone, or
transferring charging power to the rechargeable battery; a wireless
digital data interface for transferring data to or from the flash
memory means, or transferring audio communications to the speaker
or from the microphone; a controller; and a computer readable
memory storing first instructions that when executed by the
controller allow data transfer to or from the flash memory means
through either the wired digital interface connector or the
wireless digital data interface, and storing second instructions
that when executed by the controller allow voice communications to
be transmitted or received through the wired digital interface
connector or the wireless digital data interface.
23. The headset flash memory drive of claim 22, wherein the flash
memory means comprises on the order of approximately 1 gigabyte of
memory or greater.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Recent developments in the electronics industry have
produced inexpensive processors that have low power requirements,
as well as flash memory chips that also have low power
requirements. These developments allow for the development of
extremely sophisticated intelligent headsets that can perform a
variety of tasks related to the headset function.
[0002] While these headset function related tasks utilize
increasing quantities of non-volatile memory, the memory
requirements for even very advanced headset features remains a
small fraction of the size of the non-volatile flash memories that
are becoming commonplace and inexpensive. At the same time the
interfaces to the host device or telecommunications network have
switched from analog audio telephony interfaces to digital
interfaces, many of which offer converged voice and data services.
These digital interfaces include, but are not limited to Universal
Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth (BT) and IEEE 802.11.
[0003] One of the data services provided on these interfaces is the
ability to communicate with a mass storage memory device. USB-based
flash-memory storage devices or "flash memory drives" have been
developed to easily and conveniently transport data from one host
to another. While large external flash drives may be used, smaller
USB flash memory drives are frequently used and are growing in use.
A typical flash memory drive has a housing including an integral
connector for connecting to a USB port on a computer or other
device. When plugged into a USB port, the computer operating system
recognizes the flash memory device as a removable drive and allows
data to be retrieved from or written to the flash memory drive.
[0004] However, in the prior art these USB flash drives have been
distinct devices from headsets. Thus, if the user wanted to use a
flash memory drive in addition to a headset, the only solution was
to carry both the headset and a separate flash memory device,
taking up more space in the user's pocket and increasing the
likelihood that either the flash memory drive or headset will get
lost.
[0005] As a result, there is a need for improved methods and
apparatuses for headsets and flash memory drives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will be readily understood by the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural
elements.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a headset
in one example of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a headset
in one example of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a headset
in one example of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a headset
in one example of the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrates a front, back and side view of a
headset body in one example of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a mini-AB receptacle connector.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an example use of the headset shown in
FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5A-5C.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a headset
with multiple digital interfaces in one example of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Methods and apparatuses for headsets with integral
non-volatile flash memory drives are disclosed. The following
description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to
make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments
and applications are provided only as examples and various
modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
The general principles defined herein may be applied to other
embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be
accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives,
modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and
features disclosed herein. For purpose of clarity, details relating
to technical material that is known in the technical fields related
to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to
unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0016] The invention relates to the general field of intelligent
headsets and specifically to headsets with a computer compatible
interface. This description describes a method and apparatus for
headset with a flash memory drive and a digital interface such as
USB, Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11. The software or firmware in the
headset is augmented by adding code that permits the user to access
the flash memory via one of the standard mass storage access
protocols available for that interface, such as a USB mass storage
device as used on a USB flash drive. Thus, the headset may switch
between operation as a general telecommunications headset to
receive and transmit voice signals and operation as a flash memory
drive for downloading or uploading data.
[0017] In one example, methods and systems are presented which
permit a user that is carrying a headset to also use the headset as
a flash memory drive whenever there is a need to copy a particular
file or files, thereby reducing the number of devices in the user's
pocket and also reducing the likelihood that one or the other will
get misplaced. In one example, a flash memory drive is added to any
headset that incorporates a USB charging interface or any headset
with a wireless interface that can support a mass storage profile,
such as Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11.
[0018] In one example of the invention, a headset flash memory
drive includes a headset housing, a microphone, a speaker, a flash
memory chip for data storage, a mini USB AB type connector, a
wireless digital data interface, and a controller. The headset
flash memory drive further includes a computer readable memory
storing first instructions for a USB mass storage device class
communications protocol that when executed by the controller allow
data transfer to or from the flash memory chip through the mini USB
AB type connector, and storing second instructions that when
executed by the controller allow voice communications to be
transmitted or received through the wireless digital data
interface.
[0019] In one example of the invention, a headset flash memory
drive includes a headset housing, a microphone, a speaker, a flash
memory chip for data storage, a wired digital data interface
connector, and a controller. The headset flash memory drive further
includes a computer readable memory storing first instructions for
a mass storage access protocol that when executed by the controller
allow data transfer to and from the flash memory chip through the
wired digital data interface connector, and storing second
instructions that when executed by the controller allow the
microphone to detect user speech or the speaker to output an audio
signal.
[0020] In one example of the invention, a headset flash memory
drive includes a headset housing, a microphone, a speaker, a flash
memory chip for data storage, a wireless digital data interface,
and a controller. The headset flash memory drive further includes a
computer readable memory storing first instructions for a mass
storage access protocol that when executed by the controller allow
data transfer to and from the flash memory chip through the
wireless digital data interface, and storing second instructions
that when executed by the controller allow the microphone to detect
user speech or the speaker to output an audio signal.
[0021] In one example of the invention, a headset flash memory
drive includes a headset housing, a microphone, a speaker, a
rechargeable battery, a controller, a flash memory for mass data
storage, and a wired digital interface connector for transferring
data to or from the flash memory, transferring audio communications
to the speaker or from the microphone, or transferring charging
power to the rechargeable battery. The headset flash memory drive
further includes a wireless digital data interface for transferring
data to or from the flash memory, or transferring audio
communications to the speaker or from the microphone. The headset
flash memory drive further includes a computer readable memory
storing first instructions that when executed by the controller
allow data transfer to or from the flash memory means through
either the wired digital interface connector or the wireless
digital data interface, and storing second instructions that when
executed by the controller allow voice communications to be
transmitted or received through the wired digital interface
connector or the wireless digital data interface.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the
components of a headset in an example of the invention. Headset
flash memory drive 100 may include a controller 2 which utilizes a
processor, memory 4, and software or firmware to implement
functionality as described herein. The controller 2 receives input
from headset user interface 6 and manages audio data received from
microphone 8 and sent to speaker 10. Controller 2 controls the
overall operation of the headset flash memory drive 100. The
controller 2 further interacts with digital interface 14 to
transmit and receive data to and from the headset flash memory
drive 100. In a further example, the digital interface 14 may
include a controller which controls one or more operations of the
headset flash memory drive 100.
[0023] Battery 12 provides power to the various components of the
headset. For example, battery 12 is a rechargeable battery such as
a lithium ion battery, which is used to provide a regulated voltage
supply at various levels as needed by the components. A charging
circuit is used to provide charging power to battery 12.
[0024] Controller 2 receives input from various user interface
components including, for example, a call initiate, answer, and
terminate button, a volume encoder, a mute circuit/switch, and an
on/off circuit. Controller 2 also has input/output interfaces
including, for example visual indicators. The headset user
interface includes a means to be alerted of an incoming call and a
means to answer the call.
[0025] Microphone 8 detects the user's speech, and the analog
signals formed are converted by an A/D converter before the speech
is encoded by an audio codec unit. A D/A converter converts digital
audio for playback over speaker 10. Controller 2 forms the
interface to the user interface 6 and memory 4, which includes RAM
and ROM. For example, memory 4 may include a combination of
non-volatile and volatile memory, including flash memory and SDRAM.
In the present example, memory 4 includes a mass storage flash
memory 16. For example, mass storage flash memory 16 may be a
separate NAND flash memory chip dedicated to mass storage. In one
example, the total amount of flash memory storage capacity may be,
but is not limited to 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 gigabyte, 2 gigabytes, or
other amounts of memory. One of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the size of mass storage flash memory 16 may
increase as greater sized flash memory chips are fabricated, or
that the amount of memory storage may be chosen for a specific
application. Memory 4 also includes a mass storage access protocol
firmware application 18 which when executed by controller 2
controls writing and reading of data to and from mass storage flash
memory 16.
[0026] Controller 2 contains a flash-memory controller that
generates signals to access memory locations within mass storage
flash memory 16. The controller 2 is connected to the user
interface 6 and monitors the activity in the headset and controls
the audio output in response thereto. Controller 2 receives user
actions from headset user interface 6 and detects the occurrence of
a state change event and changes the state or settings of the
headset. A state change event may be caused by the user when he or
she initiates an action on the user interface 6 or other type of
user input means. Alternatively, a state change event may occur
automatically, as in the example of an incoming call. Digital
interface 14 may use any variety of wired or wireless communication
technologies to transfer data to and from mass storage flash memory
16 at headset flash memory drive 100, thereby allowing headset
flash memory drive 100 to be used as a flash memory drive. Digital
interface 14 may also operate to transfer voice communications to
and from headset flash memory drive 100.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the
components of a headset flash memory drive 200 in which the digital
interface 14 of headset flash memory drive 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a
USB interface 202 having a USB connector 204. Universal-Serial-Bus
(USB) has become a popular standard interface for connecting
peripherals to a personal computer (PC) or other host electronic
devices. USB interface 202 is configured to operate in accordance
with the USB transfer protocol. In this example, USB connector 204
is a mini USB AB type receptacle (female) connector (also referred
to as mini-AB), having a flat and narrow shape capable of receiving
either a mini A or mini B connector plug. In a further example, USB
connector 204 is a mini A or mini B connector plug. The USB
interface 202 and USB connector 204 may also be replaced with a
wireless USB interface transceiver operating in accordance with the
Wireless USB (WUSB) standard.
[0028] The use of a mini USB AB type receptacle in headset flash
memory drive 200 is particularly advantageous since it has a
smaller form factor suitable for the limited housing size of a
headset. Mini-USB plugs, sockets and cables were introduced in
Universal Serial Bus On-The-Go (USB OTG), a supplement to USB 2.0.
The USB OTG specification allows a single port to act as either a
host or a device. The USB OTG specification defines a Mini-A plug,
a Mini-B plug, and a Mini-AB receptacle which can receive either
the Mini-A plug or the Mini-B plug. The plugs and sockets have 5
contacts, where the Mini-A plug has contacts 4 and 5 joined
together inside the Mini-A plug. Both the Mini-A plug and Mini-B
plug are rectangular in shape, with the contact opening measuring
approximately 6.8 (W).times.3.1 (H) mm.
[0029] In one example manner of operation, headset flash memory
drive 200 is automatically operated in a flash memory drive mode
when USB connector 204 is coupled to an appropriate USB connector
and operates in flash memory drive mode to store or transmit data.
In this configuration, a charging circuit may also charge the
battery 12 via the USB connector 204. Controller 2 contains a USB
interface mass storage controller that serially transfers data
packets to and from mass storage flash memory 16 over the USB
connection. The USB interface controller decodes commands and
addresses in the USB packets and performs requested operations.
[0030] In this configuration, the headset flash memory drive 200
implements the USB mass storage device class (also referred to as
mass storage class (MSC) or UMS (USB Mass storage)) communications
protocols. The USB Mass Storage device class specification is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0031] In further examples, USB connector 204 may take the form of
other types of USB connectors other than mini-type. For example,
USB connector 204 may be an A-type or B-type connector as defined
by the USB specification. The A-type USB interface has a flat and
wide shape, while the B-type USB interface has a rectangular shape.
Furthermore, USB connector 204 may take the form of a plug (male)
or receptacle (female) USB connector, regardless of the USB
architecture. In a further example, the digital interface 14 is an
Ethernet or firewire connector.
[0032] In a further example, data may be uploaded or downloaded
from the mass storage flash memory 16 using a wireless system such
as IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth to create a short range, wireless
"personal area network" to communicate with other electronic
devices within the wireless system having the same type of
transceiver. The data may include, for example, audio data, video
data, text data, or any combination thereof.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the
components of a headset flash memory drive 300 in which the digital
interface 14 of headset flash memory drive 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a
Bluetooth module 302 coupled to an antenna 304. Antenna 304 may be
in a form integral with the Bluetooth module 302 or an antenna
external to the Bluetooth module 302 transceiver. Bluetooth module
302 enables the headset flash memory drive 300 to communicate with
other Bluetooth devices in accordance with the Bluetooth protocol.
In further examples, digital interface 14 may be any digital
wireless transceiver. In one example, headset flash memory drive
300 communicates over a personal area network (PAN) via the
wireless link established by Bluetooth module 302. The Bluetooth
module 302 communicates over an RF network employing the Bluetooth
standard with corresponding Bluetooth modules at a host device. The
Bluetooth specification, version 2.0, including all of its profiles
and protocols, is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0034] A prescribed interface such as Host Control Interface (HCI)
is defined between each Bluetooth module. Message packets
associated with the HCI are communicated between the Bluetooth
modules. The Bluetooth modules transmit and receive a control
command, a response thereto, and user data by exchanging message
packets through a host control interface (HCI) defined between the
Bluetooth modules. Control commands, result information of the
control commands, user data information, and other information are
also communicated between Bluetooth modules. The HCI packet is
classified into a command packet, an event packet and a data
packet.
[0035] When headset flash memory drive 300 is operated as a flash
memory drive, Bluetooth module switches from a headset signal
processing mode to a flash memory drive signal processing mode,
whereby the Bluetooth module is configured to support a mass
storage access profile mode. In one example, the Bluetooth module
is configured to support the Bluetooth file transfer protocol (FTP)
profile. The Bluetooth module is configured to transmit data stored
on mass storage flash memory 16 to another device such as, for
example, a personal computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop
computer, or a cell phone. Alternatively, the Bluetooth module may
receive data from such example devices and store the data on mass
storage flash memory 16.
[0036] When operated in a telecommunications headset mode using the
Bluetooth headset profile, the Bluetooth module is configured to
receive a signal from another Bluetooth transmitter and provide
audio output to the headset speaker 10 or to transmit an audio
signal received at microphone 8 to another audio device. For
example, the Bluetooth headset transmits an audio signal to a
cellular telephone to be transmitted by the cellular phone as the
speaker's voice over a cellular telephone network, or the Bluetooth
headset receives an audio signal from a cellular phone representing
a far end speaker's voice.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the
components of a headset flash memory drive 400 in which the digital
interface 14 of headset flash memory drive 100 shown in FIG. 1 is
an IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 transceiver 402 coupled to an antenna 404.
In one example, headset flash memory drive 400 communicates over a
local area network (LAN), or a personal area network (PAN) via the
wireless link established by the IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 transceiver
402. The transceiver 402 communicates over an RF network employing
an IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 standard with corresponding IEEE 802.11 or
802.15 transceivers at a host device. One of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that similar Bluetooth profiles and protocols to
those described above can be used on top of the IEEE 802.11 MAC and
PHY protocols to implement mass data transfer.
[0038] Headset flash memory drive 400 and an IEEE 802.11 or 802.15
access point communicate over an IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 wireless
link. The use of the term IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 herein is meant to
address the entire family of IEEE 802.11 or 802.15 standards,
including IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, and any future
standards. In one example, the access point connects to an Ethernet
LAN via an Ethernet switch.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
digital interfaces 14 may be used, or that digital interface 14 may
actually be two or more digital interfaces of any combination in
additional examples while remaining within the scope of the present
invention. For example, referring to FIG. 8, a headset 800 may
include both a Bluetooth module interface 802 having an antenna 808
and a USB interface 804 and USB connector 806. In this example, the
headset 808 may store data received from an electronic device using
a wireless Bluetooth connection and the data may be transferred
from the headset via the USB type interface, or vice versa. In a
further example, Bluetooth module interface 802 may be used
primarily for voice communications while USB interface 804 is used
for data transfer and storage.
[0040] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are a front elevational view, rear
elevational view, and right side elevational view, respectively, of
an example headset flash memory drive 200 whose internal circuits
are described above in reference to FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 5B,
headset flash memory drive 200 includes a USB connector in the form
of a USB mini-AB receptacle connector 508 on the rear side of
headset flash memory drive 200. It is understood that the general
style of headset flash memory drive 200 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C may
take a variety of shapes and forms typical to telecommunications or
audio headsets other than that shown in FIG. 5. Headset flash
memory drive 200 includes a housing 502 configured to receive a
printed circuit board having the electronic components illustrated
in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2. The housing 502 includes a
physical opening generally rectangular in shape for access to
mini-AB receptacle connector 508 electrically coupled to and
mounted on the printed circuit board. When the printed circuit
board is inserted into the headset housing 502, the mini-AB
receptacle connector 508 is aligned with the housing aperture. In a
further example, a door may be configured to open and close to
expose or hide the mini-AB receptacle connector. Headset flash
memory drive 200 may include an LED to indicate by being lit when
the headset flash memory drive 200 is operating as a flash memory
device and to indicate by flashing when data is being written to or
read from the mass storage flash memory of headset flash memory
drive 200. The use of headset flash memory drive 200 as a flash
memory drive advantageously allows the headset to perform a dual
use, thereby eliminating the need for a separate flash memory
drive.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates the mini-AB receptacle connector 508
shown in FIG. 5B. Mini-AB receptacle connector 508 contains a small
connector substrate 504 and has an interior plastic color of grey.
Connector substrate 504 has 5 metal contacts 506 formed thereon for
connecting with contacts on a mini-A or mini-B plug.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an example use of headset flash memory
drive 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A-5C. In FIG. 7, headset flash
memory drive 200 is connected at mini-AB receptacle connector 508
to a mini-A USB plug connector 702 of a first end of a cable 704.
The opposite end of cable 704 is a standard 4-pin USB Series "A"
plug connector 706, which is connected to a conventional USB port
708 on a personal computer 710. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, in this
manner, data stored on mass storage flash memory 16 may be
offloaded from the headset flash memory drive 200 to personal
computer 710, or alternatively, data may be transferred from
personal computer 710 to mass storage flash memory 16 on headset
flash memory drive 200 for easy mobile transport. When USB Series
"A" plug connector 706 is engaged with the USB port 708 on the
personal computer 710, the operating system of personal computer
710 will recognize the headset flash memory drive 200 as a
removable drive and allow data to be written to and retrieved from
the flash memory storage located in the headset flash memory drive
200.
[0043] Using cable 704, headset flash memory drive 200 may be
connected to the USB port such as a USB host controller of any
common personal computer or other device with a USB port. Personal
computer 710 may execute mass storage class software to schedule
USB transactions with headset flash memory drive 200. Personal
computer 710 can send USB packets requesting to read data on mass
storage flash memory 16. Referring again to FIG. 2, the controller
2 on headset flash memory drive 200 acting as a USB peripheral
controller activates the USB interface 202 to read data from mass
storage flash memory 16.
[0044] As described earlier, the mini-AB receptacle connector 508
may be replaced in further examples with other types of USB
connectors other than mini-type. For example, USB connector 204 may
be an A-type or B-type connector as defined by the USB
specification. The A-type USB interface has a flat and wide shape,
while the B-type USB interface has a rectangular shape.
Furthermore, USB connector 204 may take the form of a plug (male)
or receptacle (female) USB connector, regardless of the USB
architecture. The connector at first end of cable 704 is selected
to mate with the particular USB connector selected. Similarly, the
opposite end of cable 704 may be selected to be any of the
potential types of USB interfaces to connect to personal computer
710 or other electronic device, such as a printer, scanner, CD/DVD
drive, PDA, cell phone, or MP3 player.
[0045] The various examples described above are provided by way of
illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
invention. Based on the above discussion and illustrations, those
skilled in the art will readily recognize that various
modifications and changes may be made to the present invention
without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein. Such changes may
include, but are not necessarily limited to: number, placement, and
functions performed by the user interface on the headset; wireless
communication technologies; headset form factor; flash memory type.
Furthermore, the functionality associated with any blocks described
above may be centralized or distributed. It is also understood that
one or more blocks of the headset may be performed by hardware,
firmware or software, or some combinations thereof. Such
modifications and changes do not depart from the true spirit and
scope of the present invention that is set forth in the following
claims.
[0046] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they
are merely illustrative and that modifications can be made to these
embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be
defined only in terms of the following claims as may be amended,
with each claim being expressly incorporated into this Description
of Specific Embodiments as an embodiment of the invention.
* * * * *